When to start to do deadlifts/squats with a belt?

[Andy Victors]

Hello, i have started beginner program including squats & deadlifts. I see more experienced guys putting on belts for those exercises. I do rather low weights still for now, the question is when it's time to start putting on the belt for me?

[Ryan Arnold]

Once your technique is good and the weights start to get heavy in the Squat, start using the belt. The deadlift you'll want to wait longer. You'll also have to figure out whether you can use a 3in belt for both lifts of if you'll need a 4in belt for the Squat and a 3in belt for the DL. Do you have a belt yet?

[Nockian]

I'm still not using a belt for squats :-/ I just can't get comfortable with one, it's always digging in somewhere and that disturbs my concentration which sucks, as I suspect I could add 10Kg if I did.

I wear a 3" belt for every other lift for the top set and sometimes for the last warm up, or during dynamic lifts. I prefer 4" for press, and Bench.

If you are starting to struggle a bit with the top set, then it's time.

[CaseyS]

I don’t mean to hijack this thread but I am also curious about this. I ordered a 3” belt when I ordered my shoes and I’m still waiting on the belt. How will I know if I should get a 4” also?

[Nockian]

I don’t mean to hijack this thread but I am also curious about this. I ordered a 3” belt when I ordered my shoes and I’m still waiting on the belt. How will I know if I should get a 4” also?

You don't need a 4" belt. I bought a 4" lever belt prior to putting on some weight and then couldn't use it as the belly grew. As I've got rid of most of the flab, I can now use it again. I've been using the 3" happily for the last year without a thought for the 4" and making good progress. The 4" provides greater support, but it's nice to have not a necessity IMO.

[Ryan Arnold]

I don’t mean to hijack this thread but I am also curious about this. I ordered a 3” belt when I ordered my shoes and I’m still waiting on the belt. How will I know if I should get a 4” also?

Use the 3in belt for a while and see how you like it. If you feel it is sufficient then you're good to go. Depending on your anthropometry you may consider a 4in at some point. Cross that bridge when you come to it

[Ryan Arnold]

I'm still not using a belt for squats :-/ I just can't get comfortable with one, it's always digging in somewhere and that disturbs my concentration which sucks, as I suspect I could add 10Kg if I did.

I think you should keep troubleshooting until you figure this out. Your comfort is not of our concern.

[Nockian]

I think you should keep troubleshooting until you figure this out. Your comfort is not of our concern.

:-) yeah I know.

[Andy Victors]

I do not have a belt for now. How can I tell if I need 3in or both? Should the Squat belt be more loose?

[Andy Victors]

Oh I think I get it, inches mean belt width, not length, right?